Bartók Béla Viktor János ： 3 Rondos on Folk Tunes II Vivacissimo BB 92 Sz 84

Bartók draws sharp rhythmic energy and a vivid sense of motion from folk melodies. True to the indication “Vivacissimo,” the second piece unfolds at a fast tempo, with the main theme returning between contrasting sections to create a rondo-like flow. Its appeal lies not only in the unaffected character of the melodies, but also in the tension produced by rhythmic accents and the resonance of the harmonies. In performance, it is important not to let speed obscure the underlying pulse, to keep the voices clearly organized between the hands, and to balance the crispness of the short phrases with the natural singing quality associated with folk music.